| 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
|
| |
The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Darren M. Cordova at 6:33 p.m.
|
| |
Ms. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present.
Those present were:
Mayor, Darren M. Cordova
Councilmember, Rudy C. Abeyta
Councilmember, Frederick A. Peralta
Councilmember, Andrew T. Gonzales
Youth Councilmember, Sabrina Dominguez
Also present were:
Town Manager, Oscar Rodriguez
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Attorney, C. Brian James
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Absent/Excused was:
Mayor Pro Tem, Michael A. Silva (due to an emergency situation)
|
| |
Councilmember Gonzales led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
|
| |
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| |
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the Minutes of June 8, 2012 as presented. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| |
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the Minutes of June 12, 2012 as presented. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
|
| B.
| Loretta A. Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Retirement: Mayor Cordova presented a plaque to Porfirio Griego, Facilities Services Specialist/Buildings Division within the Facitilites Services Department, in appreciation for 5 years - 6 months of service to the Town of Taos. Mr. Griego has announced his retirement effective July 21, 2012 | |
| A.
| The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum: | |
| A.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-39 to re-adopt the Fair Housing Plan in accordance with the Fair Housing Act, making known the Town of Taos' commitment to the principle of fair housing, and describing action it shall undertake to affirmatively further fair housing. This Resolution will replace Resolution 11-35. (This resolution must be adopted on an annual basis pursuant to the requirements of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Implementation Manual) | |
| B.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-40 to re-adopt the Citizen Participation Plan, encouraging citizen participation within the community by providing citizens with reasonable and timely access to local public meetings, information and records relating to the proposed and actual use of CDBG and other funds. This Resolution will replace Resolution 11-36. (This resolution must be adopted on an annual basis pursuant to the requirements of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Implementation Manual) | |
| C.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-41 to re-adopt the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan, providing replacement units, relocation assistance, and minimizing displacement should the Town of Taos cause displacement as a direct result of demolition or conversion of lower-income dwellings. This Resolution will replace Resolution 11-37. (This resolution must be adopted on an annual basis pursuant to the requirements of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Implementation Manual) | |
| D.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-42 to re-adopt the Procurement Policy for CDBG Projects, affirming utilization of all applicable provisions of the New Mexico Procurement Code NMSA 1978, Section 13-1-28 through 13-1-199. This Resolution will replace Resolution 11-38. (This resolution must be adopted on an annual basis pursuant to the requirements of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Implementation Manual) | |
| E.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-43 to re-adopt the Section 3 Plan, encouraging the use of small local businesses and the hiring of low income residents of the community. This Resolution will replace Resolution 11-39. (This resolution must be adopted on an annual basis pursuant to the requirements of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Implementation Manual) | |
| |
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| A.
| Cathy Connelly, Public Relations and Tourism Director
Consideration and approval of Griffin & Associates marketing contract for the Town of Taos for FY 2012-13. This is the second year of a four year contractual period based on Town of Taos Request for Proposal #10-11.15, completed in FY 2010-11. A detailed scope of work is included with the contract and includes the marketing, paid advertising, public relations, promotions, community collaborations and matching requirements of the RFP. Department Director Cathy Connelly, Public Affairs & Tourism, Town of Taos, manages this contract with daily interaction with Griffin & Associates. The budgeted amount of the contract for FY 2012-13 is $398,000.00. | |
| |
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Griffin & Associates marketing contract for the Town of Taos for FY 2012-13. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| B.
| Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval to accept the 2012 Community Development Block Grant No. 12-C-NR-I-01-G-35 from the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division in the amount of $480,000 for Chamisa Area Infrastructure Improvements Phase 2 including the completion of wastewater lines and construction of road, and authorization for the Mayor to enter into the contract. | |
| |
Mr. Espinoza explained the project involves roadway construction sections with miscellaneous drainage, intersection, pedestrian, lighting and utility improvements.
Mayor Cordova stated the Town has proven in the past that it can complete projects in a timely manner in accordance with CDBG guidelines. He asked Mr. Espinoza if he believes the project will be complete by December 14, 2012 to comply with CDBG. Mr. Espinoza stated he is confident the project will be complete by November 30, 2012.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to accept the 2012 Community Development Block Grant No. 12-C-NR-I-01-G-35 from the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division . Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| C.
| Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director
Consideration and action to allow the Taos Center for the Arts to apply for a Government Liquor License through the Town of Taos to provide alcohol service at the Taos Community Auditorium and allow the Town Manager to negotiate the contract agreement with Taos Center for the Arts.The Taos Center for the Arts believes that by having this license available it will increase the number of events they can host which in turn will generate more income for the overall operations of the Taos Center for the Arts. | |
| |
Mr. Yachinich and Andy Johnson, President of Taos Center for the Arts (TCA) Board of Directors, discussed the proposed submission of an application to Alcohol and Gaming Division which would allow TCA to provide alcohol under the Town's Governmental Liquor License.
Councilmember Peralta recommended approving the request to submit an application as it will be good for the community and the TCA; however, he stated he would like to see the contract between the Town and TCA before it is finalized.
Councilmember Gonzales asked for specifics as to how the alcohol will be served. Mr. Yachinich stated alcohol will only be served in the lobby area and will not be served during children's functions.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to authorize TCA to apply for a Governmental Liquor License through the Town of Taos to provide alcohol service; and at a later time the contract will be brought back to the Council for review and approval. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| 10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
|
| |
Mr. Rodriguez reviewed the resolution and stated Old Martina's Hall is deemed a desirable business endeavor that will strengthen the local economy and beautify an important entrance to Taos.
Mayor Cordova requested the following change to the resolution:
"AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Taos expresses enthusiastic support for the owner of the Old Martina’s Hall to secure the necessary licenses, to include Alcohol and Gaming licensing to serve alcohol, needed to ensure this historic venue becomes a viable business."
Councilmember Abeyta clarified the new name of the establishment is "Old Martina's Hall" and the name of the previous establishment was "Old Martinez Hall".
Councilmember Peralta disclosed, for the record, that Old Martinez Hall was owned by his wife's family.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Resolution 12-45 as amended. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
|
| B.
| Welcome Resolution
Discussion regarding establishing a place and time for a Special Town Council Meeting at the Fiestas to adopt a resolution welcoming Taoseños living away from Taos who have returned to celebrate the Fiestas. | |
| |
Mr. Rodriguez requested Council consideration to hold a Special Council meeting during the Fiestas to adopt a formal resolution welcoming Taoseños living away from Taos who have returned to celebrate the Fiestas. He stated these Taoseños may be descendants of Taos, born and raised in Taos or who spent a memorable time in Taos.
Mayor Cordova recommended doing a proclamation rather than a resolution so that fiesta activities are not interrupted.
Councilmember Abeyta thanked Mr. Rodriguez for presenting an excellent idea.
|
| C.
| Councilmember Gonzales | |
| |
Councilmember Gonzales stated Taos Little League is hosting the State Tournament during Fiesta weekend at Kit Carson Park. Mr. Rodriguez stated the Police Department is preparing for the tournament as well as several other activites that are scheduled in Taos during Fiesta weekend.
|
| |
Councilmember Peralta discussed the importance of the Couse Foundation and stated they will be opening for visitation by the public. He encouraged the citizens to support the foundation.
|
| |
Mayor Cordova asked Mr. Rodriguez to provide an update on campaigns that will be launched through the Town of Taos.
Mr. Rodriguez stated the first campaign is a "Back to School" campaign in which the Public Works Department will ensure that all shrubs, weeds and trees are trimmed in an effort to clear walkways and to make street signs visible to the public. There will also be zero tolerance with regards to traffic violations, especially the use of cell phones while driving.
Mr. Rodriguez stated the other campaign addresses advertising on public right of way in which Code Enforcement officials will be walking throughout town and will provide warnings to businesses who are in violation.
|
| |
A motion was made by
Councilmember Peralta and seconded by Councilmember Abeyta to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
|
| APPROVED: | | ________________________________________ |
Darren M. Cordova, Mayor
| | | ATTEST: | | ________________________________________ |
Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
| | PLEASE NOTE: The Town of Taos records most Town Council Meetings via audio, however, only Regular Town Council Meetings and some Special Town Council Meetings, with controversial issues, are video recorded. Copies are available upon request at the Town Clerk's Office located at 400 Camino de la Placita (575-751-2005) at a fee of $5.00 for audio recordings and $10.00 for video recordings. |
|
|